Delco Inmate Hospitalized With Bacterial Meningitis, A Life-Threatening Disease

THORNTON, PA — An inmate incarcerated in Delaware County was hospitalized with bacterial meningitis — a rare but serious infection that can escalate from mild symptoms to death within hours.

A person incarcerated at George W. Hill Correctional Facility — a jail and prison operated by the County — tested positive for the disease Sunday at a local hospital. The County announced the case Tuesday and said the patient remains hospitalized.

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Health officials are advising George W. Hill leadership on identify close contacts among inmates, staff and others who may have had close contact with the inmate during the period of concern — Sept. 2 through Sept. 12.

Staff and inmates who had close contact with the incarcerated person will get preventive (prophylactic) antibiotics. They will also receive information about monitoring for symptoms and follow-up.

The inmate tested positive after they were brought to the hospital for another medical condition, said George Basile, a spokesperson for the Delaware County government.

"Currently, no other staff or incarcerated persons have tested positive or reported symptoms," Basile told Patch. "The County is continuing closely monitoring the situation at George W. Hill to ensure the safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals."

Meningitis is relatively uncommon in the United States, with 463 confirmed and probable cases reported last year. But after declining since the 1990s, case totals have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the CDC.

Only a fraction of meningitis cases are caused by bacterial infection. But they're more likely to be severe, and symptoms can escalate from mild to visibly life-threatening within hours, says Dr. Jeffrey Silvers, director of infection prevention at Sutter Health in California.

"The biggest concern are the cases that progress extremely quickly," Silvers told the American Medical Association. "The person can go from awake and answering questions to unresponsive in just a few hours."

The bacteria is spread from person to person by respiratory and throat secretions — not by casual contact — according to Delco health officials. That can include frequently sleeping or eating near an infected person and sharing cigarettes, toothbrushes, utensils or water bottles.

"Symptoms of the disease include sudden fevers, headache, stiff neck, altered mental status, and light sensitivity," the County said in the announcement. "Additionally, symptoms of chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur. In later states, a dark purple, brown, or black rash may appear."

Anyone with questions about their personal health should contact their health care provider. People with questions about bacterial meningitis and public health can contact the Delaware County Health Department at 484-276-2100 or delcowellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

George W. Hill is located in Thornbury and Concord townships.